Avalanche forecast

Soldier & Wood River Valley Mtns

Sawtooth Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired last year. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Conditions are generally safe and large avalanches are unlikely. You're most likely to get into trouble on northerly slopes with variable snowpack depths. The danger will rise this evening as a strong storm impacts the region. 

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1–2

    It's been three weeks since the last large slab avalanche occurred in this zone. Triggering a big slide on weak snow buried in February is unlikely but can't be completely ruled out. Before triggering an avalanche, you're unlikely to experience obvious signs of instability like snowpack cracking or collapsing. You are most likely to trigger a slide in the mountains around the Wood River Valley, where:

    • The snowpack is relatively shallow - where the wind frequently blows, spots may exist where the slab is not uniformly thick
    • Any part of the slope you are on or connected to is steeper than about 35 degrees
    • The slope faces the northern 2/3 of the compass

    (2/18/2025) A skier on Patterson Pk near Hailey triggered this large avalanche. After several turns on the slope, the slide broke above and around them. Thankfully, the skier was able to ski ahead and to the side of the slab. NW @ 8,050'. Photo: Sawtooth Avalanche Center

Avalanche Discussion

The snowpack is generally stable, and avalanches are unlikely. Keep these potential hazards in mind if you're planning to play in very steep terrain: 

  • Wind Slabs: Isolated wind slabs formed several days ago. The slabs are weathered and generally difficult to trigger, but they deserve respect in extreme terrain. 
  • Cornices: There are monster cornices out there and many are sagging due to recent warm temperatures. Give them a wide berth and minimize your time directly below them. 

Tonight's storm will increase the danger. Current weather models predict low elevation rain overnight and 5-10" of snow in the mountains by tomorrow afternoon. Be prepared to dial back your terrain choices as the odds of natural and human-triggered avalanches increase. 

Regions covered